Huddersfield Chronicle (29/Dec/1900) - Christmas in Huddersfield

The following is a transcription of a historic newspaper article and may contain occasional errors.

CHRISTMAS IN HUDDERSFIELD.

The year's greatest festival has been celebrated in time-honoured fashion, although from a meteorological point of view the festival has been a “modern” one. Christmas is not what it used to be — so say our grandparents — but if our climate has deteriorated such is not the case with our rejoicings — they are as great as ever. If one had suddenly awakened out of a six months’ trance and paraded the streets of Huddersfield on Christmas Eve there could not possibly have been any doubt in that person’s mind as to the season of the year, notwithstanding that the elements were not of the traditional order. At midnight the principal thoroughfares were literally swarming with jubilant crowds, all bent on honouring the great festival in the usual hearty fashion. The singing of carols and the wishing of the “good old wish” were of themselves sufficient to indicate that Christmas had come round again. All night long were to be heard snatches of the Christmas Hymn, there being the customary visits of the waits, much to the annoyance of a few phlegmatic individuals who cannot understand all this “fuss.” The rejoicings were continued throughout Christmas Day. The various churches in the town and district were attended in the morning, the usual bright and inspiring services being held in their precincts, whilst special services were also held in several Nonconformist places of worship. In connection with the latter there was also the usual complement of bazaars, tea parties, &c. The various public institutions honoured Christmas according to their several inclinations. Amongst the most notable events was the annual treat to the aged and poor in the Parish Church Schools, where, at one o’clock, some 150 persons partook of a substantial dinner. The old folks were afterwards entertained, and they were thus enabled to spend a very happy Christmas. The holiday has been an extended one this year, most of the mills having “shut down” from Saturday until Thursday morning, and in many cases for a whole week. There has thus been ample opportunity afforded of spending an enjoyable time.

AT THE INFIRMARY.

Christmas at the Infirmary was a bright and pleasant day for after much trouble and considerable thought and ingenuity the patients at this institution spent their Christmas amidst gaily decorated wards. The Children’s Ward looked especially nice, a brilliantly lit tree with animals mid fairy lamps being the centre-piece. This little ward was certainly the best decorated in the place. The patients were awakened at seven o’clock in the morning by carols sung in each of the wards by the members of St. Paul’s Church Choir, followed at 12 o’clock by the usual extra dinner, the turkeys for which were generously given by tradesmen in the town. After this the men were allowed, in accordance with time-honoured custom, to smoke in the wards, and the women had sweets given to them. The Christmas tree was dismantled shortly after four o clock amid scenes of great rejoicing, the other patients in the meantime being entertained by music given by the house surgeons and their friends, the entertainments of Mr. Hamilton Irving. “A village concert” being particularly well received. The festivities were brought to a suitable termination by carol singing by members of St. Thomas’ Church Choir.

ENTERTAINING THE INFIRMARY PATIENTS.

Those who are unfortunate enough to be in such a condition at Christmastide as necessitates their being accommodated amid the sad surroundings of the Infirmary, are, thanks to the warm sympathy of a committee of ladies who annually exert themselves for the welfare of the patients, not allowed to entertain the depressing thoughts that they are missing everything associated with the happy and elevating celebrations of Yuletide. With the co-operation of the Infirmary staff, much is done to afford the patients as much pleasure as possible during the festivities, and those who are not able to participate in the enjoyment of a set entertainment in one of the wards, are at any rate given an opportunity of enjoying some of the forms of celebration by the decoration of the wards and the distribution of suitable gifts. On Thursday evening 51 patients were given a couple of hours’ entertainment in the Female Ward. Owing to the want of spare occasioned by structural alterations the entertainment was given practically exclusively to patients this year, friends from outside not being invited beyond those immediately interested in the proceedings. There were assembled the 24 women patients already in the ward, 17 patients from the men’s ward, and 10 children who were carried in from their particular apartment. The proceedings were presided over by Mr. F. Eastwood, J.P., and all the members of the committee were present, as follow : Mrs. F. W. Robinson (president), Miss Mallinson, Mrs. Lowenthal, Mrs. Joseph Kaye, Mrs. Percy Brigg, Mrs. Tomlinson, Mrs. Shaw Sykes, Mrs. Percy Sykes, Mrs. Berry, and Miss Greenwood. The ward presented a most inviting appearance, its ordinarily neat aspect being heightened by the skilful use of a variety of decorative accessories, including a large Christmas tree, placed in one corner, which was illuminated with electric lights, and from which were suspended crackers and packets of sweets for distribution among the sufferers. The Chairman prefaced the entertainment with a few appropriate allusions to the world-wide efforts at tins season of the year to make as happy as circumstances permitted those committed to the care of institutions for the treatment of the afflicted and accidentally unfortunate, and he had no doubt whatever that those who were assembled at that Infirmary that night to hear and receive the good things intended for their benefit, would greatly appreciate the sympathetic interest displayed in them. The members of the committee then graciously distributed useful gifts in the shape of flannel petticoats to the women, shirts and socks to the mm. and toys and books to the children, the recipients evincing appreciation of the kindness thus shown to them in no unmistakeable manner by facial expression and comment amongst themselves. This pleasing feature of the gathering was followed by some ventriloquial and mystifying conjuring performances by Professor Ling, of Leeds, and some amusing songs by Mr. Percy Sykes. The patients were subsequently regaled with fruit and light comestibles, and one and all, despite their unfortunate condition showed much appreciation of the whole efforts that had been made to promote their happiness.

AT THE SANATORIUM.

For some days previous to Christmas the staff at the Huddersfield Sanatorium had been very busy decorating the different wards, and they were undoubtedly amply repaid for their trouble by the pleasure afforded to the children which was evidenced by their constant expressions of delight, saying it was like fairyland itself. The children had been spending several anxious days discussing as to whether Father Christmas ever visited the Sanatorium, and were delighted to find on Christmas morning that their stockings were well supplied with gifts suitable to their respective ages. The day began by the sisters and nurses singing appropriate Christmas hymns to the children and other occupants. The wards were profusely festooned with holly, ivy, and Chinese lanterns, and a beautiful Christmas tree provided by Mr. Hey was well filled and decorated with fairy lamps, and presents kindly sent by the Editor of “Home Chat” ; Mrs. Richardson, Birkby ; Mrs. Armitage, Dalton ; Mrs. Jarmain, Dalton ; Mrs. Walker, Lindley ; Mrs. Holliday, Dalton ; the Cash Supply Stores ; Mrs. Owen, Forest Avenue ; Mrs. Dyson, Salendine Nook ; Mrs. Goddard, Walsall ; E. and H. Whittaker, West Parade ; Mrs. Partridges children, Laurel Bank ; Highfield Junior Christian Endeavour Society, per H.W. Mellor ; Christmas Letter Mission, per Miss Irving ; Mrs. Annis, West Parade; Mr. Coates, Station-street ; Misses Dowes, Belgrave Terrace ; and the Misses Beardsell, Greenhead Road, were afterwards distributed among the patients and were much appreciated. Wherever it was permissable the patients participated in the usual Christmas fare, followed in the evening with a tea and a concert by the staff, interspersed with numerous children’s games, which altogether proved a very enjoyable Christmas for the patients who were necessarily debarred from participating in the festivities at their respective homes.

POSTAL OPERATIONS.

That the people enter into the celebrations of this festal season with unabated wholeheartedness is dear on the surface of things, and the fact is fully borne out by the operations in connection with the local postal service during Christmastide. In fact, year by year the work seems to increase, and the last Christmas of the 19th Century will he remembered for at least 12 months as the heaviest on record from the point of view of those responsible for the conveyance of the many useful and artistic things with which they are entrusted to safely deliver. At the General Post Office, especially in regard to parcels, work became perceptibly harder on the 21st and increased on the Saturday, by which day the public were advised by notices in the windows to post their despatches to ensure timely delivery. The response, however, was not such as the postal authorities would wish, the great mass of the work of sorting, stamping, and falling to their lot on Monday, indicating a widespread desire on the part of the people for delivery of their presents and Christmas wishes on the actual anniversary of the all-important event which marked the 25th. The staff was very busy from nine a.m. till teatime on Monday, and then there was a little lull, after which letter posting was again very heavy. Postmen collecting with the aid of horse vans and a number of cabs at the numerous branch offices and pillar and wall boxes in the town and environs, brought in large bags of letters and cards of all shapes and sizes, the task of dealing with the same being increased by the irregularity in these respects. In order to facilitate matters as much as possible, the services of the young lady telephone operators, nine in number, as well as those of several from the staff in the telegraph department besides employes in other branches of the postal and telegraphic service were requisitioned ; and in spite of the extraordinary pressure the huge piles of parcels, letters, &c., were handled with that success which comes of good organisation. The beautiful weather which prevailed greatly favoured the postmen in the collecting and delivery work, and so well was the enormous swarm of things grappled with that by 11 o’clock on Christmas Eve every missive was cleared away for their respective mails, no fewer than nearly 50 bags and 20 baskets, all full, going by the principal night mail at 9:30. Among the letters to hand were several which found a resting place at the Dead Letter Office, owing either to the address being incomplete or not given at all. In one case where the greetings were evidently those of a little girl to a friend, the word “Miss” was alone on the envelope, the full name and everything else being overlooked. And with that faithful attention to directions so characteristic of the Post Office authorities, the only practical interpretation would doubtless be put upon the word, in which case the letter would be doomed to “miss” reaching its intended destination.

CHRISTMAS AT THE WORK-HOUSES.

CROSLAND MOOR.

The customary Christmas festivities in connection with Christmas Day were held on Tuesday at the Workhouse, Crosland Moor. At eight o’clock the inmates, with the exception of the sick, assembled in the dining-hall and were provided with a substantial breakfast, consisting of a plentiful supply of bread and butter and tea. Tobacco and snuff, together with apples, oranges, and sweets, were afterwards distributed to the inmates. During the morning some of the inmates celebrated Christmas in the good old fashion by singing carols at the several hospitals. At noon dinner was served, consisting of roast beef, pork, and mutton, with a plentiful supply of vegetables, followed by plum pudding with special sauce ad lib. Tea, milk, and coffee were given to those who preferred them, and a pint of beer to the others. The following Guardians assisted in carving and waiting on the inmates :— Miss Siddon, Mrs. Roebuck, Miss Roebuck, Mrs. Beaumont, Mrs. Haley, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Taylor, Mrs. and Mrs. Oldfield, Mr. T.A. Nichol, Mr. J.H. Taylor, Mr. A. Sykes (Fartown), Mr. W. Haigh, Mr. Hesketh, Mr. Shaw, Mr. Brook, Mr. Sugden, Mr. G.H. Hanson, Mr. Armytage, and Mr. Netherwood. After dinner tobacco and snuff (the gift of Captain Jessop) were distributed to the adults, and an apple and orange to each of the children, and also their old friends who preferred them to tobacco and snuff. The Master then rose and proposed a vote of thanks to the Board of Guardians for providing such an excellent repast, and to the Guardians who attended and so ably assisted in carving and serving out the dinners. This was taken up by Andrew Bower (inmate), seconded by John Cliffe, and supported by William Mallinson (inmates). Miss Siddon then briefly addressed the company present. She stated what a pleasure it was to her and to all the Guardians to be present at this annual feast, and to assist in ministering to the wants of the inmates. A wish that the inmates at Deanhouse would have a happy Christmas met with a hearty response from their fellows at Crosland Moor. Alluding to the war, the speaker hoped that soon a happier time would dawn, and that peace would be proclaimed. She had hoped before now to have celebrated that happy event by giving a kind of peace party, such as a dinner and tea at Honley or an excursion to Harden Moss. (Hearty cheers.) Referring to the New Year and the new century to which that year will give birth, she hoped that it would bring to pass a better condition of affairs for the poor in our work-houses, the Local Government Board having already elaborated a scheme to further that object. In conclusion, the speaker wished them all the season’s greetings. Mr. Hesketh, in a few well-chosen words, responded to the vote of thanks to the Guardians. Mr. Tom Taylor (vice-chairman of the House Committee) then moved a vote of thanks to the master and matron, remarking that it gave him peculiar pleasure to do so again seeing the way in which the inmates had enjoyed the good things provided. He also said that thanks were due to the cook for her highly successful efforts in the culinary department. This was seconded by Mr. J.H. Taylor. The Matron made a brief and suitable response for the officers. This part of the day’s ceremonies closed with the singing of the National Anthem, Mrs. Roebuck leading. At five o’clock tea, consisting of teacakes, butter, mince pies, and tea was partaken of. The company was subsequently augmented by a contingent from the Deanhouse Workhouse, viz., the chairman of the Board, vice-chairman, Messrs, Firth, Hardcastle, and Schofield, together with the clerk (Mr. E.A. Rigby). On the conclusion of tea, the Master moved a hearty vote of thanks to all those who had so kindly provided the gifts which all had enjoyed so much (coupling with it the name of Captain Jessop). This was seconded by Andrew Bower (inmate), and supported by James Hall (inmate). Miss Siddon responded, promising to convey the thanks to Captain Jessop — who was unable to come through illness. He had, however, requested Miss Siddon to convey his love to the old folks at Crosland Moor. (Hearty cheers.) One of the most pleasing ceremonies from the youngsters’ point of view, was then gone through, i.e., the distribution of the Christmas tree gifts to the children by Miss Siddon. Their bright faces showed how highly they appreciated the gifts provided by Mrs. Parr. As it is customary for the chairman of the House Committee to winter abroad the Guardians, on her leaving at this juncture, wished a speedy and pleasant journey, and a complete restoration to health, and a safe return, which was by her feelingly acknowledged. The dining-hall was beautifully and tastefully decorated, under the superintendence of the master and matron, with festoons of coloured paper, Chinese lanterns, and appropriate and seasonable mottoes. The hospitals presented bright and attractive appearances, and there the appreciative remarks passed by the visitors during the day testified to the superintendent nurse and the staff of nurses that their labour of love had not been in vain. The schools and other wards were nicely decorated with evergreens, &c. At seven o’clock the following programme was gone through :— Christmas Hymn, sung heartily by the whole of the inmates; carol, “Good King Wenceslas,” by the children: recitation, “Lucy Gray,’’ J. Thompson ; song, “Silver moonlight,” Kate Cliffe ; glee, “Here’s a Health to England’s Queen,” glee party ; comic sketch, Mr. Calvert; song, “Kathleen Mavourneen,” Madame England ; glee, “Catastrophe,” glee party ; song. “Tit for tat,” Mr. Holroyd ; comic sketch, Mr. Calvert ; song, “Mrs. Hooligan’s Christmas cake,” Fanny Ellison ; song. “Loch Lomond,” Madame England ; song, “Maggie,” Mr. Holroyd ; character sketch, Mr. Calvert ; glee, “Cure all,” glee party. This programme was greatly appreciated, most of the songs being loudly encored. The proceedings terminated in the usual manner by the singing of the National Anthem. List of presents : William Brooke, Esq., of Northgate Mount, Honley. 10s. in place of evergreens ; evergreens from Edward Armitage, Esq., Edgerton Hill, H.F. Beaumont, Esq., Whitley Beaumont, J.G. Wilson, Esq., Woodsome Hall, the superintendent gardener Beaumont Park. Toys, sweets, and fruit, Miss Elsie Sawden and Hilda Morton ; Christmas letters, Mrs. Irving, Greenhead Road ; boxes of oranges and a barrel of apples from Mrs. John Hanson, Vernon Avenue ; Christmas cards, E.W. Coates, Esq., Station Street ; 3d. piece for the old men and old women over 60 years from Miss Robinson ; tea and sugar for the old men and women in hospitals and house, Mr. J.H. Taylor ; toys for Christmas tree ; Mrs. Parr ; tobacco and snuff for inmates. Captain Jessop ; knitted shawls for the aged women, Miss Brooke, Honley ; a new sixpence to each child from Mrs. Beaumont ; gift towards cost of decorations, Miss Siddon.

AT DEANHOUSE WORKHOUSE.

The usual festivities were accorded to the inmates of the above institution by the kindness and goodwill of the Board of Guardians, who have as in years past voted an ample treat for those whose lot is to be under their care. To anyone who visits this home it appears to be a happy one if the reflection of bright and cheerful faces is an indication. The whole of the wards and the dining-hall had been suitably decorated with mottoes in bright colours and evergreens in profusion, and all were recipients of choice Christmas cards. The day’s proceedings were inaugurated by the breakfast at 7:45 a.m., consisting of coffee and bread and butter, and during the morning tobacco, snuff, apples, and oranges were distributed.

About 12 noon the inmates assembled in the dining-hall, and dinner which consisted of roast beef and mutton, potatoes, carrots with gravy and pickled cabbage, and afterwards plum puddings, together with flavoured sauce was served by the Guardians. For dinner coffee and aerated waters were provided, and to those who preferred it a pint of beer was given. The Grace and Christmas Hymn were sung to the accompaniment on the American organ by the master and Mr. A.J.S. Hirst (Guardian) on the violin respectively. After dinner John Bell, on behalf of the inmates, moved a vote of thanks to the Guardians for their kindness in allowing the inmates to have such a substantial treat. This was seconded by Jonathan Brook, and carried amid much applause. The Chairman of the Visiting Committee, Mr. J. W. Mellor, then called upon the chairman of the Board to respond on behalf of the Guardians, and Mr. Fitton said that there was no vote of the Guardians which was more readily passed and acquiesced in than the one for this treat. Mr. E. Whitwam, vice-chairman, also spoke, and said that the Deanhouse institution had long since passed from being described as a workhouse. It was really a home where the poor could find a refuge and solace in their old age. A hearty vote or thanks was passed to Miss Siddon and Captain Jessop for their gifts amid rounds of applause.) Cheers were then given for the master and the matron (Mr. and Mrs. Heastie) and the rest of the officers. Mr. Heastie said that they were always ready to do their utmost on such occasions as these to provide for the entertainment of the inmates. Their work was rendered much easier by the ready way that the Guardians granted what was required. Each officer had taken part thoroughly and well, and if such gave satisfaction it was a reward for such services as were rendered in this manner. The National Anthem was then sung and the Doxology brought the proceedings to a close, after which the inmates dispersed to their several rooms. During the afternoon the members of the Netherthong Choir visited the hospitals, &c., and sang various hymns. A beautiful Christmas tree was in the female imbecile wards, which, when lit up, was much admired. At 5:30 tea was served, which consisted of bread and butter, cheese, and plum cake :— The following Guardians attended during the day :— Messrs. C. Fitton, chairman, E. Whitwam, vice-chairman, Mr. J.W. Mellor, chairman of the Visiting Committee, S. Butterworth, J. Quarmby, J. Noble, W. Hardcastle, A.J.S. Hirst. J. Firth, J. Beaumont. J. Charlesworth, G.W. Oldham, C.C., and Mr. E.A. Rigby, clerk to the Guardians. Presents were sent by the undermentioned :— Miss Siddon, Christmas cards and decorations for Christmas tree. Miss Brooke, two dozen knitted shawls for the aged women ; Mrs. Whitteron, West Parade, Huddersfield, one dozen knitted shawls ; Captain Jessop, Honley, tobacco and snuff for the inmates ; Mr. A.J.S. Hirst, “Strand Magazine,” Harmsworth, &c. ; Mr. G.H. Hanson, “Illustrated London News” ; Miss Bradbury, Rockleigh, Station Road, Holmfirth, “Ladies’ World” ; Sir Thomas Brooke, Bart., evergreens ; Miss Brook, Healy House, evergreens ; Miss Hirst, Meltham, evergreens ; Mr. Bletcher, Christmas tree, holly, and misletoe.

DRAMA AT THE EMPIRE.

The Christmas attraction at the Empire Theatre is Mr. Frank Bateman’s company in a sensational convict drama entitled “Sentenced for Life,” by Messrs. Frank Bateman and C. Watson. Mill. There was a crowded “house” on the opening night, as might have been expected, seeing that it was Christmas Eve. The drama deals most vividly with convict life, to which the hero is wrongfully condemned through the machinations as usual of the villain of the piece. It is full of sensational episodes, which find their climax in the great explosion scene in the last act, which leads to the righting of the heroes wrongs and his happy union with the heroine, who, in spite of the weight of circumstantial evidence there appeared to be against the hero, maintained her confidence in his innocence and honour. Miss Florence Russell Spiers gave a graceful and natural impersonation of the character of the heroine, and Misses W. Frances, Frances Wolviston, and Lizzie Montague gave excellent representations. Messrs. Charles Ellis, John F. Traynor, Arthur Leigh, Canon Clifford, Hamilton Deane, Arthur St. John, George W. Lindsay, Charles Conway, Dan Agar, Walter Jones. T.W. Knight, Louis Scott, Luke Ford, and Hugh Faulkner completed a large and efficient caste, who, with the aid of excellent mountings and clever stage accessories, gave a powerful rendering of the drama. For next week “Greed of Gold” is announced.

FRISE’S MUSICAL MIMICS AT THE VICTORIA HALL.

Having appeared in Huddersfield on several previous occasions, and having gained a reputation of no mean order, it followed as a matter of course that the entertainment given by Frise’s Musical Mimics, in the Victoria Hall, on Wednesday evening, should be largely attended. Such, indeed, was the case, and what was more satisfactory still, the audience was a most appreciative one. The various items were not, however, more highly applauded than they deserved, and, taking the performance as a whole, it was certainly one which can be eulogised and one which must be seen to be fully appreciated. Ever since Mr. Frise introduced his company of girls to the public he has met with considerable success, and ,no sooner is his entertainment announced than the public, like Oliver Twist, s re eager for more. This success is all the more gratifying when Mr. Frise’s local connection is considered. Huddersfield has reason to be proud of the gentleman who has proved himself so capable in this form of entertainment. Mr. Frise’s repertoire comprises no lees than 50 different selections, for the composition of which he alone is responsible. With such an extensive choice, several entertainments can be given without repetition. The programme with which Mr. Frise contented himself on Wednesday evening thoroughly satisfied the audience, several new pieces and a number of “old favourites” being included. Each item was given in a manner which denoted that the company of girls which has been got together had undergone careful and constant rehearsal at the hands of Mr. Frise, who, by the way, accompanied throughout very artistically. To enumerate all the numbers would be tedious and out of place here, but to listen to them is a treat which none who wishes to make the best of life should miss. Both the singing and dancing of the children is excellent, while the limelight effects added much to the effectiveness of the items. Special mention must be made of the sketch entitled “The local volunteers,” which was exceptionally well given, the mimicry of the performers appearing perhaps to greater advantage in this than in any other item. A skipping song and dance, which was very cleverly gone through, fairly brought down the house, and was vociferously encored. “Our model policemen” also proved, as usual, a most acceptable item, and the same remark applies to the chorus and dance entitled “Bogies,” the weird nature of which is evident from the title. Among the items which were remarkable for pretty effects were the chorus and dance, “Fair arcadee,” and the vocal schottische “We come with flowers.” The street sketch entitled “The crossing sweeper,” and the solo “My sweetheart” were also very cleverly interpreted, and, in fact, the performers succeeded in captivating the audience throughout. The entertainment was continued on Thursday and Friday evenings, and will be given again to-night.

POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.

A series of excellent miscellaneous entertainments has been arranged by Miss Melveina Kerr, for the Christmas holidays, the first taking place in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, when a large audience enjoyed the bill of fare. After an artistically played pianoforte selection by Mr. J.W. Armitage, F.R.C.O., Miss Kerr contributed one of her effective recitations, Grey’s “Elegy written in a country church-yard,” which was enhanced by some excellently-depicted lantern views. Subsequently she recited a piece of her own composition, “British heroes of to-day,” which also was very effectively illustrated, and the appearance on the canvas of many of the British heroes in the Boer campaign elicited warm applause. The elocutionist was encored for the item. Sophia Snow’s touching narrative about “Santa Claus” constituted her third recital, and though in the midst of it the lantern became defective and refused to emphasise the simplicity and pathos of the piece, Miss Kerr elected to proceed without its aid, and her effort was much appreciated. In addition to a humorist (Mr. Fred Price), there were two vocalists, Miss Minnie Grime (soprano) and Mr. Lawn, Townley (tenor) being responsible for the sentimental pieces. Miss Grime displayed her refined voice to great advantage in her opening item, “Sing, sweet bird” (Gantz), which received an artistic interpretation. Receiving a cordial encore, she responded with another pleasing song in Liza Lehmann’s “You and I.” She and Mr. Townley were responsible for a couple of duets and both “How sweet the moonlight sleeps” (Sullivan), and “Maying” (Alice M. Smith), were rendered with good effect. Clay’s “I’ll sing thee songs of Araby” was Mr. Townley’s individual effort, and he scored well. Violin solos, “Romance and Polocca.” and “Polonaise” (Waterman), were played in a very meritorious manner by Mr. James Milnes, both pieces being very much liked. Mr. Price was a great success as humorist. His initial effort, his own description of an evening party, afforded considerable scope for displaying his versatility, and to say that the funny business that made up the piece gave immense satisfaction was fully borne out by the prolonged plaudits of the assembly, who were rewarded for their deserved compliment with an amusing recitation. Later the same artiste sang “Oh, don’t you feel jolly and gay?” and being again recalled, he added a very laughable sneezing song, entitled “Achoo.” “The way they say good-bye,” which terminated, the programme, kept the audience in good humour until the close. Further variety was provided by Mica Kerr’s latest animated war pictures depicted by the prestograph, manipulated by Mr. C. Kerr. All the subjects presented were heartily received, the review of the troops at Pretoria by Lord Roberts, prior to his handing over the chief command of the South African Field Force to General Lord Kitchener, being especially interesting and effective. The whole programme provided a capital night’s entertainment for the holiday gathering, and with such a popular send-off Miss Kerr's enterprise was continued during the week, varied programmes being gone through. Mr. Armitage proved a capable accompanist.